Try reading some of Gill Rapley's work in the UK-Baby led weaning (as in baby directs the pace of eating food) whilst maintaining full milk feedings. I think Nursing first in the first year is a very helpful way of guiding mums with how what and when and the emphasis on family foods being complimentary to milk in the first year. Sue Pace Midwife/BFHI Coordinator/IBCLC NZ -----Original Message----- From: Susan Burger [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Saturday, 29 November 2008 9:49 AM Subject: Re: Please read posts carefully. Dear all: I must admit that I feel quite exasperated at the moment. I do wish people read what I ACTUALLY write. No one on Lactnet suggested that anyone who is concerned about the over-feeding issue are extremists, not even me. So to put up a defense to that effect seems as if my post was completely misread. I want to make it very clear that what I wrote in my post about Kay Dewey's work was that the "ORDER" of which comes first did not make as much of a difference as the NUMBER OF FEEDS". Kathryn Dewey is a well-respected researcher and part of the UC Davis group that did the work that ultimately debunked the 4-6 month for introduction of solids and nailed it to "around 6 months". Without the work of the UC Davis group we would not be able to dispute the introduction of solids excellent work on breastfeeding which is both copious and extremely well designed. Therefore, we'd be combatting even more infants being stuffed with solids from 4 months of age onward than we already do. She also worked on the data that became the basis of the new WHO charts that are now based on HEALTHY NORMALLY feeding infants. I looked up Kathryn Dewey's reference to the study which WAS by Juan Rivera et al, 1999. It showed that when they promoted 5 meals per day, the breastfeeding frequency (per 12 hours) and the breastfeeding duration (per 12 hours) declined and was statistically significant among infants 6-12 months of age. In her presentation at the Academ, she did not include the full reference, but knowing Juan's work you will probably end up with lots of references on infant feeding that would be well worth reading while you track down this one particular study showing that too many meals reduces the frequency and amount of breastfeeding. This is peer-reviewed evidence that gives guidance support appropriate practices that are more likely to IMPROVE breastfeeding frequency and duration. Much of what is written about infant feeding is based on OPINIONS and THEORIES that may or may not actually improve the frequency and duration of breastfeeding in the second half of the first year of life. Moreover the lack of an impact on breastfeeding frequency and duration regardless of whether breast or food was offered first doesn't should not be extrapolated into a statement that I never made. NEITHER KATHRYN DEWEY, NOR I said that there was anything wrong with offering the breast first, nor would I conclude that from the paper. I do, however, think this research suggests we are likely to have better results if we focus more on an appropriate rhythm for spreading out the introduction of additional "meals" of solids. Mothers should not be trying to get six month olds to eat three meals of solids a day, nor nine month olds to be eating five meals of solids a day. Focusing on the gradual introduction of small taste testings and a gradual increase over the 2nd half of the first year as well as responding to other physiological cues is likely to cut down on the overfeeding that occurs when mothers feel that more meals is progress. The similarity between the two situations is not in the enormity of the consequences, but in the approach. Best regards, Susan E. Burger, MHS, PhD, IBCLC *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome Attention: The information contained in this message and or attachments is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. 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